Shawangunk Ridge Mining Road
Technical rock crawling through the Gunks
The Shawangunk Ridge Mining Road winds along the spine of the famous Gunks, following paths carved by 19th-century millstone quarriers who harvested the region’s legendary conglomerate rock. Starting near Ellenville, this rocky trail climbs through technical boulder fields and exposed bedrock sections while hugging the eastern escarpment. Sky Top Tower appears through the trees at the midpoint, a stone sentinel marking your progress through some of the Northeast’s most challenging rock terrain.
Difficult rating with stock 4WD and skid plates mandatory for the sharp conglomerate that’ll bite soft parts. Rock sliders recommended for the tighter squeezes between house-sized boulders. April through November offers the best conditions, though spring runs can make the creek crossings dicey. No camping permitted, but the technical challenges and sweeping views across the Hudson Valley make this a worthy day trip. This isn’t a Sunday cruise—it’s a proper technical workout that’ll remind you why the Shawangunks earned their reputation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2200 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Ellenville, NY |
| Land manager | Minnewaska State Park Preserve |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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